The hyperrealism of Kazuhiro Tsuji

Hyperrealism has never really been my thing. Sure, it takes exceptional skill to paint or draw something to a point where it is indistinguishable from a photograph…but then, why not just take a photograph? The hyperreal illustrators of the world spend so much time capturing verbatim everything that is in front of them, they almost always forget to include any semblance of passion or emotion in their work. You celebrate the craft rather than the artist, and I just don’t like that.

It is with that preface that I remark on the absolute spectacle that is Kazuhiro Tsuji, a hyperrealistic sculptor. Beginning his days working in the movie scene (some of those beautifully grotesque Men in Black aliens are his creation) he soon turned his eye for detail toward the art world. And what an eye that is.

Why does my hypocritical self choose to idolise one type of hyperrealism while admonishing another? To me it comes down to intent. Kazuhiro is distorting his subjects; blowing them up to huge proportions while balancing them on amazing, often contorting, bases. These busts are not just a display of craftsmanship but also an insight into the fantastical mind of their creator.

I recommend going to his website to read his bio and check out the rest of his work work. A truly majestic and masterful artist.